Rebel Without a Cause - 5/5

This is the type of movie that looks and feels like any number of its peers but surpasses them all. It’s a coming of age tale that replaces angst with practical existentialism and suspenseful dread. The characters are immensely practical and the script is a tour-de-force in showing dynamic, complex character motivations without making them shrouded and esoteric. It’s power is in its simplicity, which allows the depth to shine through.

Closest comparison: It’s like American Graffiti by way of In A Lonely Place.

Setting: High School Drama
Plot: Coming of Age
Tone: Thriller

The Searchers (1956) - 2/5

This movie is one of the all-time classic westerns, but unfortunately it does not live up to the hype. It’s aggressively tone-deaf, transitioning back and forth between scenes of gut-wrenching tragedy and lighthearted western antics like whiplash. There’s no emotional payoff for the injustices perpetrated in the first act, and multiple times main characters will suddenly do things they’ve said they wouldn’t with no warning or explanation given. Except for the score, cinematography, and acting, which are all excellent, this movie is an absolute mess.

Closest comparison: It’s like Man on Fire (2004) by way of Once Upon A Time in the West.

Setting: Western
Plot: Road Trip
Tone: Rescue Thriller